Speculating on comics is not reserved for those with deep pockets. Some of the best returns on investment over the past twenty years started with issues that were selling for a few euros in the $1 bins at conventions. New Mutants #98 -- the first appearance of Deadpool -- was sitting at $3 in boxes before the movie was announced.
Speculating on comics is not reserved for those with deep pockets. Some of the best returns on investment over the past twenty years started with issues that were selling for a few euros in the $1 bins at conventions. New Mutants #98 -- the first appearance of Deadpool -- was sitting at $3 in boxes before the movie was announced. Today, that issue in a 9.8 grade exceeds $2,000.
The goal here is not to promise miracles, but to show you that real opportunities still exist on a small budget. In 2026, several factors make the landscape particularly fertile: the MCU Phase 6 expansion, the DCU reboot under James Gunn, and a wave of independent series starting to attract studio attention. Here are 15 comics available for under $20 that deserve your attention.
Disclaimer: Speculating on comics carries risks. Prices are indicative and based on recent sales on eBay and specialized platforms. Nothing guarantees a rise in value. Always invest in comics you love, not solely for their financial potential.
Undervalued MCU/DCU first appearances
First appearances of characters likely to join cinematic universes remain the category with historically the strongest potential. The key is identifying characters before the official announcement, when prices are still accessible.
Alpha Flight #33 -- First appearance of Talisman
Current value: $8-15Talisman (Elizabeth Twoyoungmen) is one of Marvel's few Indigenous heroines with real narrative depth. As Marvel actively seeks to diversify its characters for MCU Phase 6, this 1986 issue remains curiously accessible.
Why it could skyrocket: Internal discussions at Marvel about Canadian projects (Alpha Flight is regularly mentioned in rumors) and the growing cultural sensitivity around Indigenous characters make it a serious candidate.
Savage She-Hulk #1 (1980) -- First appearance of Jennifer Walters
Current value: $12-20 (average condition)With the Disney+ series introducing She-Hulk to a wider audience, issues in good condition are still accessible. A copy in FN (Fine) condition can regularly be found between $12 and $18. In an 8.0 grade, the value already exceeds $80.
Why it could skyrocket: A second Disney+ season or an appearance in Avengers would make this foundational issue much less accessible.
DC Comics Presents #26 -- First appearance of New Teen Titans
Current value: $10-18James Gunn's Teen Titans project for the rebooted DCU is among the confirmed titles. This 1980 issue contains the first appearance of the Wolfman/Perez team that defined the modern Titans -- Raven, Cyborg, Starfire in their original form.
Why it could skyrocket: As soon as the official casting is announced, prices on this issue will double within days. You need to have it before then.
Strange Tales #180 -- First appearance of Gamora
Current value: $15-20 (GD/VG condition)Yes, Gamora is already in the MCU -- but her original 1975 first appearance on paper remains accessible in modest condition. The appeal? Nostalgia from collectors who came from the movies and want to own the originals.
Why it could skyrocket: The value of this issue is driven by pure collecting demand, not just MCU speculation. That makes it more stable.
Undervalued runs by major creators
Some runs by creators who have become legendary remain undervalued because they feature second-tier characters. However, the complete bibliography of an author always ends up being reassessed once they reach master status.
Daredevil #168 -- First appearance of Elektra (Frank Miller)
Current value: $15-20 (VG condition)Frank Miller's run on Daredevil is one of the most important in the history of the medium. Elektra Natchios makes her first appearance here, and the issue in decent condition is still affordable. With the Netflix series and MCU projects centered on Daredevil, the character has never been more popular.
Why it could skyrocket: Matt Murdock's return to the MCU is driving up everything related to his universe. This issue is next on the list for collectors who already have Amazing Spider-Man #300.
Swamp Thing #37 -- Alan Moore run, "American Gothic" arc
Current value: $5-12 per issueAlan Moore's run on Swamp Thing (issues 20 to 64) is considered one of the most important of the 1980s. Yet individual issues outside of #21 (Moore's first) can still be found at reasonable prices. The "American Gothic" arc starting at #37 is particularly well written.
Why it could skyrocket: Every project tied to the DC Horror universe and every tribute to Alan Moore drives these issues up. The creator himself refuses all adaptations -- which makes the original comics all the more valuable.
Hellblazer #1 -- First John Constantine solo series (Jamie Delano)
Current value: $12-18John Constantine has been featured in film, TV series, and appearances in the DC universe. The first issue of his 1988 solo series remains surprisingly accessible. Jamie Delano laid the groundwork for the character that Neil Gaiman and Garth Ennis later elevated.
Why it could skyrocket: The character is too good to stay in the shadows. Every DC Horror project puts him back in the spotlight.
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Independent series on the rise
The world of independent comics is where the best opportunities hide. Series published by Image, Boom! Studios, IDW, or Vault Comics can see their value rise rapidly if a studio shows interest.
Monstress #1 (Image Comics, 2015)
Current value: $10-18The series by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda has won six consecutive Eisner Awards. The cover art is exceptional, the world-building is dense, and adaptation rights are the subject of recurring discussions in Hollywood. The first issue remains accessible.
Why it could skyrocket: An adaptation announcement (film or premium series) would immediately push this #1 to $60-80 minimum.
Saga #1 (Image Comics, 2012)
Current value: $12-20 (VF condition)Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples created one of the most acclaimed comics of the 2010s. The first issue has already seen spikes at $40-50 but has come back to more accessible prices. With the series resuming after a long hiatus, interest is at an all-time high again.
Why it could skyrocket: Amazon Studios holds the rights. As soon as production actually begins, this issue will take off.
Paper Girls #1 (Image Comics, 2015)
Current value: $8-15Brian K. Vaughan again, with Cliff Chiang. The series already had an Amazon Prime adaptation that didn't achieve the expected success. Prices have dropped -- but the source material remains excellent and a reboot or second chance is always possible in today's landscape.
Why it could skyrocket: It's a bet on the rehabilitation of the adaptation. The potential is there, and the entry price is low.
Something is Killing the Children #1 (Boom! Studios, 2019)
Current value: $15-20James Tynion IV created a horror comic with this issue that immediately captured attention. The series is still ongoing, growing in popularity, and Netflix has shown interest in Tynion IV's universe (The Nice House on the Lake is also in development).
Why it could skyrocket: The horror genre is booming on streaming platforms. This character (Erica Slaughter) is exactly what studios are looking for.
Overlooked variants and special editions
Amazing Spider-Man #361 -- First full appearance of Carnage
Current value: $15-20 (VG/FN condition)#360 contains the cameo, #361 the first full appearance. This issue is sometimes confused with and undervalued compared to #362. With the Venom-verse expanding and Carnage still in play, demand remains strong.
Why it could skyrocket: Every Carnage appearance in film or series drives prices back up. The character hasn't had his last word in the Sony Spider-Verse.
New Mutants #87 -- First appearance of Cable (cameo)
Current value: $10-18 (VG condition)#98 (Deadpool) is too expensive, but #87 remains accessible. Cable is one of the most anticipated X-Men characters for MCU Phase 6. This 1990 issue with the Rob Liefeld cover is iconic and undervalued in average condition.
Why it could skyrocket: The casting announcement for Cable in the MCU (without Deadpool 4) will send this issue soaring.
Thor #337 -- First appearance of Beta Ray Bill
Current value: $12-20 (GD/VG condition)Walt Simonson introduced Beta Ray Bill in this legendary 1983 issue. The character made an appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder (deleted post-credits) and remains one of the fan favorites for a future MCU integration. In average condition, this issue is still accessible.
Why it could skyrocket: Beta Ray Bill is the most fan-requested Thor character. His confirmed appearance in an MCU project would triple this issue's value.
Invincible #1 (Image Comics, 2003)
Current value: $15-20 (VG condition)Robert Kirkman's series got its Amazon Prime adaptation with phenomenal success. Season 3 is underway, and each new season reignites demand for the original issue. In average condition (VG/FN), this issue can still be found under $20.
Why it could skyrocket: A live-action Invincible movie -- regularly discussed -- would immediately make this issue inaccessible below $50.
How to manage a speculative comics portfolio
Buying comics with potential is one thing. Managing them wisely is another. Here are the fundamental principles of smart speculation.
1. Never spend more than you can afford to lose
The golden rule. A comic can double, triple, or increase tenfold in value -- but it can also stay at its purchase price indefinitely. The 15 issues on this list were chosen because even if they don't increase in value, they remain quality comics that you won't regret having in your collection.
2. Condition is paramount, even for speculative buys
At $15, buy the best condition possible. The difference between a VG and a VF may seem minor at purchase, but represents a 30 to 50% difference in resale value. Systematically examine photos, ask for additional photos if needed, and don't buy a comic in poor condition unless it's exceptionally rare.
3. Diversify your portfolio
Don't bet everything on a single comic or category. Spread your investments across MCU/DCU first appearances, runs by recognized creators, and promising independent series. If one category doesn't take off, the others can compensate.
4. Follow announcements in real time
Prices move within hours of a studio announcement. If you have the comic in hand, you can decide whether to sell immediately at the peak or hold for the long term. If you still need to buy it after the announcement, it's often too late -- the price has already doubled.
Signals to watch for to anticipate a price increase
- Casting rumors on specialized sites (Deadline, The Wrap)
- Character hashtags trending on social media
- Sudden spikes in eBay sales (visible through completed listings)
- Announcements at D23 and San Diego Comic-Con
- Statements from writers and directors about their projects
Frequently asked questions about comics speculation
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